Optimisation of Resource Scheduling in VCIM Systems Using Genetic Algorithm

Abstract — The concept of Virtual Computer-Integrated Manufacturing (VCIM) has been proposed for one and a half decade with purpose of overcoming the limitation of traditional Computer-Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) as it only works within an enterprise. VCIM system is a promising solution for enterprises to survive in the globally competitive market because it can exploit effectively locally as well as globally distributed resources. In this paper, a Genetic Algorithm (GA) based approach for optimising resource scheduling in the VCIM system is proposed. Firstly, based on the latest concept of VCIM system, a class of resource scheduling problems in the system is modelled by using agent-based approach. Secondly, GA with new strategies of handling constraint, chromosome encoding, crossover and mutation is developed to search for optimal solution for the problem. Finally, a case study is given to demonstrate the robustness of the proposed approach. Keywords- optimisation; genetic algorithm; resource scheduling; virtual computer-integrated manufacturing system. I